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World pays tribute as Bonnie Tyler dies “unexpectedly” aged 75: “One of Britain’s great recording artists”
The legendary Welsh singer was best known for her hits ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’
Bonnie Tyler has died “unexpectedly” after an illness in Portugal at the age of 75.
A message on the ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ singer’s official website confirmed the news which read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
It comes after she underwent emergency surgery in Portugal last month. She was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma to help her recovery.
At the time, Tyler’s family issued an update on her health via a statement on her official website.
“Bonnie’s family and team would like to update everyone on how she is progressing with her recovery,” it read.
“Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal. Although her condition is improving it is a slow process.”
The message continued: “Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time.”
Prior to her health issues, Tyler had been set to embark on a European tour featuring numerous gigs throughout 2026.
She had been due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.
But her family explained that all of Tyler’s scheduled live dates for this summer were cancelled or postponed until next year, adding: “This will affect every current show until the end of August.”
Her final full live concert was at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on March 19.
Wales Secretary Jo Stevens was one of the first to pay tribute to the singer on social media following her death.
“So sad to hear of the death of @BonnieTOfficial. A Welsh music icon, Grammy and Brit award winner and the sound of my teenage years,” she wrote.
First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth also paid his respects. He said: “I am very sorry to hear about Bonnie Tyler’s death. Wales has lost one of its greatest icons, who brought joy to audiences around the world through her music. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family, her friends, and her fans.”
So sad to hear of the death of @BonnieTOfficial A Welsh music icon, Grammy and Brit award winner and the sound of my teenage years.
— Jo Stevens (@JoStevensLabour) July 9, 2026
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”
– Prif Weinidog https://t.co/OvN5Ekalst
— Prif Weinidog 🏴 (@PrifWeinidog) July 9, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed her an “iconic figure” upon hearing the news of her passing.
In a statement via BBC News, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister is indeed saddened to hear about the death of Bonnie Tyler, one of Britain’s greatest recording artists.
“An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, to Holding Out For A Hero’ – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”
He added: “The prime minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
Sir Cliff Richard shared a photo of himself with the late icon on Facebook and wrote she was “another wonderful friend gone too soon”.
He added: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me. It is shocking news to wake up to you this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie…. ”
Catherine Zeta-Jones, whose cousin was married to Tyler, took to Instagram to express her sadness.
She wrote: “My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away. Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life. We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. So sang and rocked it at my wedding.”
The actress added: “An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family. God Bless.”
View this post on Instagram
Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, grew up in a council house in Neath before she was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell in a club in Swansea, and released her first single ‘Lost In France’ in 1977, according to BBC News.
‘It’s A Heartache’, her country-pop ballad released the same year, reached Number Four on the UK singles chart and Number Three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Her biggest hit, ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, came out in 1983 and topped the UK and US singles charts.
Along with being famous for the likes of ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, the legendary Welsh singer was nominated three times for a Grammy award, and represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.
She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for further updates.
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Bonnie Tyler has died “unexpectedly” after an illness in Portugal at the age of 75.
A message on the ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ singer’s official website confirmed the news which read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
It comes after she underwent emergency surgery in Portugal last month. She was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma to help her recovery.
At the time, Tyler’s family issued an update on her health via a statement on her official website.
“Bonnie’s family and team would like to update everyone on how she is progressing with her recovery,” it read.
“Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal. Although her condition is improving it is a slow process.”
The message continued: “Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time.”
Prior to her health issues, Tyler had been set to embark on a European tour featuring numerous gigs throughout 2026.
She had been due to perform at the Sunshine Festival in Worcester this summer, along with a number of European dates, and was also booked to perform at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on December 17.
But her family explained that all of Tyler’s scheduled live dates for this summer were cancelled or postponed until next year, adding: “This will affect every current show until the end of August.”
Her final full live concert was at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on March 19.
Wales Secretary Jo Stevens was one of the first to pay tribute to the singer on social media following her death.
“So sad to hear of the death of @BonnieTOfficial. A Welsh music icon, Grammy and Brit award winner and the sound of my teenage years,” she wrote.
First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth also paid his respects. He said: “I am very sorry to hear about Bonnie Tyler’s death. Wales has lost one of its greatest icons, who brought joy to audiences around the world through her music. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family, her friends, and her fans.”
So sad to hear of the death of @BonnieTOfficial A Welsh music icon, Grammy and Brit award winner and the sound of my teenage years.
— Jo Stevens (@JoStevensLabour) July 9, 2026
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie Tyler.
Wales has lost a true icon, whose music brought joy to so many.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans across the world.”
– Prif Weinidog https://t.co/OvN5Ekalst
— Prif Weinidog 🏴 (@PrifWeinidog) July 9, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed her an “iconic figure” upon hearing the news of her passing.
In a statement via BBC News, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister is indeed saddened to hear about the death of Bonnie Tyler, one of Britain’s greatest recording artists.
“An iconic figure, she leaves behind a catalogue of music – from ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, to Holding Out For A Hero’ – which continues to touch lives, flood dance floors and fill karaoke booths.”
He added: “The prime minister’s thoughts are very much with her friends and family.”
Sir Cliff Richard shared a photo of himself with the late icon on Facebook and wrote she was “another wonderful friend gone too soon”.
He added: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me. It is shocking news to wake up to you this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time. RIP Bonnie…. ”
Catherine Zeta-Jones, whose cousin was married to Tyler, took to Instagram to express her sadness.
She wrote: “My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away. Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life. We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. So sang and rocked it at my wedding.”
The actress added: “An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family. God Bless.”
View this post on Instagram
Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, grew up in a council house in Neath before she was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell in a club in Swansea, and released her first single ‘Lost In France’ in 1977, according to BBC News.
‘It’s A Heartache’, her country-pop ballad released the same year, reached Number Four on the UK singles chart and Number Three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Her biggest hit, ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, came out in 1983 and topped the UK and US singles charts.
Along with being famous for the likes of ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, the legendary Welsh singer was nominated three times for a Grammy award, and represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.
She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for further updates.
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